On Monday, June 20, the President met with Lois Curtis, one of the original plaintiffs of the Olmstead case. In March 2011, Ms. Curtis who lives with mental and developmental disabilities, finally began living in the community – 11 years after the initial decision. She now sells her artwork and serves as a prime example of how persons can become more productive members of society once they are able to live in community based settings.
During my senior year, majoring in Studio Art at Georgia State University (1982), I received a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. Some artists, writers and other creative types have historically been associated with mental health issues.
If you are interested in non-stereotypical employment for an individual with a developmental disability, then I would like to introduce you to Ana. Labeled as moderately mentally retarded and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy
Charles has a passion for cars and dreams of becoming a mechanic. He and his Employment Consultant went to various auto parts companies close to his home to submit applications. He had his sights set on a particular dealership.
Evert has a passion for washing cars, which he would practice given any opportunity. He came to his employment support team knowing what he wanted to do.
Jose’ was successfully working as a machinist, manufacturing equipment used in the poultry industry. The depression and alcoholism that he struggled with daily had not spilled over into his work --- the one area of his life in which he felt competent and in control.
Martha worked in the laundry room of a hotel. Although she did a very good job and was content with her daily schedule, she would continually talk about wanting to have a job working with athletes.
Tanya attended a segregated day program for individuals diagnosed with both mental retardation and mental illness. Her disability descriptions were recorded as moderate mental retardation and schizophrenia. As a result of her being involved in traditional segregated programs that lacked choice and options, she became further depressed
Val’s mother is very supportive and wants her daughter to have a “good life.” She also wants to make sure that her daughter is safe, and she worries about her being taken advantage of, so work options have to be in environments that take these concerns into consideration.
The following is excerpted from a psychological evaluation of Adam dated October 1987: “…was found to be ineligible for employment due to low productivity there is not a reasonable expectation that Adam can become gainfully employed.”